International Program

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT HERITAGE ACADEMY

Since coming to Heritage, I can say that my experience as an international student has been different from any other school that I attended. Here, because of the smaller international community, I had to interact with English speaking students, which gave me the opportunity to learn English at a faster pace." Heritage International Student

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

We welcome our International Students into the Heritage family. Our desire is that they become an active part in school activities while taking a rigorous college preparatory program. Heritage offers a safe community where a Biblical worldview is the foundation of the school culture, philosophy, and mission. Students will live with Christian host families, will learn about our faith, attend weekly chapel services in school, and attend church with their host family.

PART OF THE FAMILY

We want our International Students to feel they are an important part of the Heritage family- to feel welcomed into a caring and Christ-centered environment. In the classroom setting, students will enjoy the benefit of knowledgeable and caring teachers. We also encourage our students to become part of our athletic, fine art, and extracurricular activities.

ADMISSION PROCESS

Thank you for your interest in Heritage Academy! To apply to our International Student Program, please take note of the following steps:

Download the application packet.

Submit the following documentation and the completed application: Two years of report cards, translated to English; Transcript; Release of Records Form; TOEFL score or equivalent English proficiency assessment scores; Writing samples

Arrange a date/time for a Skype/WeChat interview (we will contact you).

If accepted, submit all completed documents included in the application packet, including $535 registration/application fee.

Upon receiving all required forms and payment, Heritage Academy will issue the student an I-20.

After receiving an I-20, the student will need to make arrangements to apply for an F-1 visa.

Parents will need to contact an insurance agency to arrange for student health insurance to cover the student while he/she is in the United States. Documentation verifying coverage will need to be provided to Heritage Academy prior to the student’s attending school.

As part of the application process, international students will need to submit an official TOEFL iBT score.* The minimum acceptable TOEFL iBT scores are indicated below:

Incoming 8th graders combined score of 50 with no category score lower than a 10

Incoming 9th graders combined score of 55 with no category score lower than a 12

Incoming 10th graders combined score of 65 with no category score lower than a 12

Incoming 11th graders combined score of 75 with no category score lower than a 15

Incoming 12th graders combined score of 85 with no category score lower than a 15

* Other recognized English proficiency assessment scores, such as an iTEP SLATE score, may be submitted.

In addition to regular academic classes, International Students are required to take an International Seminar which offers support in the acquiring of English language skills, as well as all academic classes.anchor - do not delete

HOMESTAY PROGRAM

Our international students will be surrounded with God's love, as we place them in home stays with Christian families from our school community. Communication with the students and their host families will take place on a monthly basis to ensure that the living arrangements are going smoothly. Many students choose to return home during Christmas vacation and those arrangements are the responsibility of the natural family.

BECOME A HOST FAMILY

Being a host family brings you as close to being a global missionary as you can be without leaving your home! As a host family, you will be one of the early, friendly faces our international students will meet. Involving your international student in daily life and conversation will help them to develop their English skills and allow them to discover what it is like to be part of an American family. A hosting fee is included in the international tuition. This covers room and board, transportation of the student to an from school, and inclusion of the the student in everyday activities of the family. The student is responsible for long-distance telephone service, internet (other than that provided by the host family), clothing, cosmetics and toiletries, medical care, special foods, tutoring, standardized testing fees, and special travel undertaken with the host family.

For more information, contact our International Student Coordinator, Linda Hobbs at [email protected] or by phone at 301-582-2600.